Yesterday, I provided tips on selecting a juicy organic watermelon. Today, we feature a Fourth of July recipe for a festive Americana Basket.

All of the ingredients should be available at your local natural and organic food store.

Americana Basket

1 oblong-shaped watermelon
Honeydew
Blueberries

1. Using an oblong watermelon, slice 1/4″ off the bottom, lengthwise, to provide stable base.
2. Use a pencil to draw lines for handle placement and basket opening.



3. Cut the handle first, wide enough to hold stars; then make zigzag cuts with a paring knife, all the way through the rind. Be careful not to cut through the handle base on either side.
4. Carefully remove sections, pulling out large chunks of flesh. Cut them into 3” x 3” squares.
5. From squares, trim off 3/4” thick slices to cut out stars. Use 1½” to 3” star-shaped cookie cutters to create them.
6. Next, cut out 5 large star-shaped pieces from the leftover rind. Use a paring knife, if necessary, for the handle. Trim off red flesh, and attach to basket handle with white side out, using half toothpicks.
7. Use an ice cream scoop to remove flesh from inside of basket, and cut scoops into quarters for the fruit salad. Place in bottom of the basket.
8. Use a white-fleshed melon like ripe honeydew to cut out white “stripes” for salad.
9. Garnish top of fruit salad with watermelon stars, melon stripes and blueberries.

Recipe and photos courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board